Top 1982 Songs – #17 – Jack & Diane

One of the most well-known American singer/songwriters today, John Mellencamp made his breakthrough in 1982 with American Fool which spawned two well-known hit singles, one of which is this one.  The video of the mickey-mouse glove clapping hands was something I always remembered, but the track itself is still heard today in many places.  Coming in at #17 is Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp.

Top 1982 Songs – #18 – Gypsy

1982 was really a coming out party for Stevie Nicks.  The previous year’s duet with Tom Petty was a classic, her solo work spawned some great art as we just have seen, and she also delivered for Fleetwood Mac once again.  This song was arguably the group’s biggest single for their Mirage album and it’s the song that introduced me to her when growing up.  At #18 it’s Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac.

Top 1992 Songs – #18 – Nothing Else Matters

Having the #1 song released in the previous year’s countdown was not enough for this group, especially since so many songs off their Black album have remained steadfast classics years later.  This one is no different, having recently been covered by Chris Stapleton, showing it’s power years later.  Coming in at #18 in the top 20 countdown of songs released in 1992 is Nothing Else Matters by Metallica.

Top 1992 Songs – #19 – Constant Craving

Some songs on these countdowns continue to be heard in stores and other establishments, and this one is no different.  It was one of this artist’s biggest hits and it continues to be heard over and over again, proof that this song hasn’t fully lost it’s luster.  Coming in at #19 is Constant Craving by K.D. Lang.

Top 1982 Songs – #19 – Should I Stay or Should I Go

The Clash are one of rock music’s most classic groups, and songs like this one are the reason why.  While one other song they released in this year I remember the most, this one has since grown on me and is more recognizable today than the other.  It has hence earned a place in this countdown, at #19 it’s Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash.

Top 1982 Songs – #20 – Edge of Seventeen

Starting of the countdown of the top 20 songs that turn 40 years old is a song that was in, then out, and then back into this countdown – just to show how competitive this year was.  In the end this song’s incredibly recognizable riff, sampled on numerous tracks, and the fact it’s still being used to this day make it a worthy addition to this countdown.  We begin at #20 of this 1982 countdown with Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks.